I am proud of my family's history of public service in the military, law enforcement, and education sectors.

My father Townsend Bird served in both World War II and the Korean War with the United States Navy after enlisting at age 17.  After his military career, he continued to serve and protect society for 37 years in law enforcement, with the Prince George’s County Police, United States Marshals Service, and the Charlotte County Florida Sheriff’s Office.  It was some of his stories that probably molded me into a public servant.















He served with the Prince George’s County Police Department for eight years where he received a Meritorious Service Award for entering a burning house to save a young child. 
He then spent twenty-five years with the United States Marshal’s Service, retiring as the Chief Deputy U.S. Marshal for the Western District of Virginia.  In his time with the United States Marshal Service, he received letters of the praise for his service from the Attorney General of the United States Robert F. Kennedy, for guarding and protecting the Kennedy family, and from an Assistant Attorney General for his service of guarding the Pentagon.  He was also immensely proud of his role in escorting and protecting James Meredith as he was the first African-American student to attend the University of Mississippi.















My oldest brother Bill followed in my father's footsteps, proudly serving in the United States Air Force after his graduation from the Virginia Military Institute where he left as a Captain after serving three tours overseas.

My sister Shelly's role as a public-school teacher is equally significant. Through her dedication to education, she has shaped the minds of future generations, instilling knowledge, values, and a sense of civic responsibility. Her commitment to teaching reflected the importance of nurturing and guiding young minds, ensuring they are prepared to contribute positively to society. Additionally, her husband Steve was committed to a public service career with the Virginia Police and with the United States Marshals Service.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

​
 

My brother Emmette’s military service with the United States Marine Corps and the United States Army, including his deployment to Iraq with both branches, highlights my family's ongoing commitment to serving our nation. In his civilian position, he worked for the Floyd County School system for many years as an IT Specialist.  He passed on his patriotism to my nephew Ryan, who served with the United States Navy and who was deployed to Afghanistan.  



 

​

​

​

​

​

 

My family has a long history of public service, and I have been blessed to learn from my father and siblings about dedication, sacrifice, and a profound sense of duty to serve our country and our communities.  I am extremely proud to have followed into public service with my service as a Senior Probation Officer, Assistant Public Defender, and as an Assistant, Deputy, and Commonwealth’s Attorney for over twenty-two years.